Plan ahead for Christmas

The mere mention of Christmas sends shudders down the spines of many people working hard to manage their diabetes. All that food – Christmas dinner, work functions, social gatherings, Christmas drinks and end of year wind-ups.

Functions can be intimidating for someone who has done so well throughout the year. Good preparation and planning ahead can help avoid many of the pitfalls and reduce the stress involved with Christmas.

Instead of a bowl of lollies, serve cherries or grapes

Here are some tips to help maintain your eating habits during the festive season.

Aim for half a plate of vegetables

Follow the Diabetes New Zealand ideal plate model - this rule applies even on Christmas Day
Summer is a great time for gardening and growing vegetables and fruit to eat
Fresh herbs are popular in salads and nothing beats a salad prepared fresh from the garden moments before eating - remember to serve dressings separately
Put some lettuces into the garden for harvesting on Christmas Day
Char-grilled vegetables are delicious – cooking them on the BBQ helps to save space in the kitchen
Leave the skin on vegetables for added fibre.

Moderation is the key

Serve food on a smaller plate – it will look full with less food
Clear the table as soon as everyone has finished eating rather than being tempted by leftovers
Try something different – how about a BBQ rather than a full roast meal?
Use herbs and spices to flavour food rather than fat or oil
Nibbles before a meal aren't necessary. However, if you do serve them, put them out when you need them rather than having them sit out all day to tempt you and others. See more about the high fat in snacks ...

Don’t confuse thirst with hunger

Keep a jug of chilled water in the fridge
Stock up on diet drinks when they are on special at the supermarket
Prepare fancy ice cubes for fun drinks
Freeze lemon or small pieces of fruit into ice cubes for added colour and flavour.

See more on drinks and alcohol ...

Desserts aren’t necessary

Save a dessert for a lighter meal rather than after a traditional Christmas dinner
Fresh fruit such as freshly picked strawberries is a wonderful treat - take the grandchildren fruit picking before Christmas and make this a regular Christmas tradition
Try fruit mixed with yoghurt and frozen - it's a delicious dessert
Check your blood glucose levels to see if you can manage a small slice of cake
Instead of a bowl of lollies, serve cherries or grapes.

See more food suggestions for people with diabetes ...

Christmas is a great chance for some extra physical activity

With the best of intentions, the excitement of Christmas can cause stress. Physical activity can help to manage this:

Have a game of cricket with the family
Go for a walk along the beach
Take a ball to the park
Give Christmas presents with physical activity in mind such as a ball, cricket set, volley ball net, paddling pool or new golf clubs.

Don’t despair

In the stress of Christmas, remember to take your medication as directed and continue with your physical activity routine.

If you do overeat, remember it is only one day. Jump back to your healthy eating habits the following day.

Top five Christmas gifts for people with diabetes

For those with diabetes, the prospect of watching others enjoying the delights of tasty but sugary Christmas cake can be a daunting one!

But there’s no reason why you can’t treat yourself or a loved one with diabetes at Christmas. Take a look at these great gift ideas for people with diabetes:

Gift vouchers - if you're not sure what they want, let them choose!
Pamper products - indulge with a selection of natural soaps, moisturisers and creams.
Plants and flowers - encourage your loved ones to get outside and enjoy the summer sun, with sunscreen of course, with some plants and gardening tools. Gardening can be incredibly therapeutic, and even lower stress levels.
A pedometer - encourage that all important physical activity with a pedometer to help measure steps.
Home baking - bake a Christmas cake suitable for people with diabetes as everyone loves a gift made with your own hands. See recipe for Celebration Cake ... A rich fruitcake suitable for any special occasion.

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